Europe Needs a Lean, Effective Security Council: A New Approach to European Defense
Stronger Collective Security in Europe: Call for a Group of Committed Nations
With the U.S. withdrawing from European defense, the burden falls on the EU to ensure the continent's security. However, the current system is paralyzed, resulting in endless debates and little action. It's time for a change, and that change comes in the form of a European Security Council.
The Time for Action is Now
Russia is growing increasingly aggressive, and the EU can't afford to waste time. Our intelligence services warn of a growing military aggressiveness by the Kremlin towards the EU. Waiting for contract changes in Brussels won't cut it—we need action now.
A New Security Council for a New Europe
Not the Whole EU
In a world where trust and will are crucial, not every EU member needs to participate in defense policy. The Europe of different speeds is a reality, and it's now a necessity in defense policy. If a member state lacks the will or our trust, they should be left behind on this journey.
Not Just EU
We need an open approach towards a coalition of the willing. Third states like Britain or Norway should be included if they're ready to bundle their resources with ours. Europe's security doesn't end at the EU's external border.
Not without EU
New formats shouldn't float in an institutional vacuum. They should be linked to existing EU structures. The PESCO platform, the EUMS, or the intelligence analysis and reporting of the EU (INTCEN) can serve as ideal docking points.
A Strategic Decision-Making Center
A European Security Council must be more than a debating platform—it must be an emergency decision-making body capable of acting quickly, legitimately, and decisively. It should be composed of founding members representing parliamentary control, the highest defense spending nations in the EU, and a non-EU state with substantial contributions. Membership should be transparent, with re-elections every two years by a qualified majority of the members of the will union.
The Security Council should have the right to declare a defense emergency if necessary, providing a legal basis for national mobilizations in member states and joint defense measures. It should also serve for joint procurements and coordination of joint defense and industry initiatives before that.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The United Nations provided a blueprint for a successful Security Council over 80 years ago. Europe can follow this example, creating an effective Security Council that ensures our strength is also effective—a legacy for future generations.
- EU
- German Defense Policy
- Security Policy
Enrichment Data
In general discussions, a European Security Council might involve the EU27, possibly represented by leaders of EU institutions, alongside non-EU NATO members like Norway, Turkey, and the UK. Ukraine, due to its significant role in European security, could also be included. The Council is proposed to operate as a coordination and consultation platform rather than a bureaucratic weight.
This European Security Council aims to address internal and external security threats facing the EU, deteriorating US leadership within NATO, and the EU's need for better coordination and integration of its defense capabilities. It seeks to provide a platform for enhanced coordination, a unified response to security challenges, and strengthen Europe's ability to manage its own security concerns independently, especially if US leadership within NATO changes.
- The EU's employment policy should be revised to prioritize defense-related industries, as part of the EU's community policy, to support the establishment of a European Security Council.
- In line with the new approach to European Defense, the EU should consider forming strategic partnerships with non-EU states, such as Britain or Norway, to strengthen its defense policy.
- In the spirit of transparency and democratic accountability, the membership of the European Security Council should be agreed upon by the members of the European Parliament, reflecting the will of the people.
- As the world grapples with the complexities of war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics, a robust European Security Council can play a crucial role in providing a unified response to security challenges in general-news.
- To ensure continuity and sustainability, the EU's defense policy should be designed to endure and prosper for future generations, drawing inspiration from the longstanding success of the United Nations' Security Council.
